'Independent' Lieberman to Eat Lunch Alone

Independent Sen. Joseph Lieberman's (Conn.) increasingly likely divorce from the Senate Democratic caucus isn't finalized yet, but the two sides do appear to be separating.

Lieberman, who had previously agreed not to attend party meetings where Iraq War strategy was discussed, will now not attend any of the Democrats' weekly caucus lunches or the biweekly lunches of committee chairmen. The Hill today quoted Lieberman confirming that he would voluntarily skip the gatherings. "I think it's probably wise for me and for my colleagues in the Democratic caucus to dine somewhere else for the next few weeks," he told the paper.

(Earlier today, Roll Call reported (sub req'd) that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) made the decision to boot Lieberman from the lunches. This afternoon, Reid said in a statement: "While it is no secret that the Democratic caucus is disappointed in Senator Lieberman's attacks on Senator Obama, the irresponsible report that Senator Lieberman has been excluded from caucus meetings is completely untrue. Senator Lieberman has chosen to not attend Democratic caucus lunches, and that is his choice.")

Regardless of how the luncheon move was made, it marks a firm step toward what most Senate Democrats expect will be a clean break at the start of the 111th Congress.

Lieberman, a strong supporter of the Iraq War, alienated many in the party's liberal wing when he lost the 2006 Democratic primary to anti-war candidate Ned Lamont, but then won reelection anyway running as an Independent. The tension has escalated this cycle, as Lieberman has backed his friend John McCain for president, and the last straw for most Democrats came last week, when Lieberman spoke to the Republican National Convention and leveled sharp criticism at the record of the Democratic nominee, Barack Obama.

Aside from eating lunch alone, what does Lieberman's future hold? If McCain wins, does he hope to be named Secretary of Defense or State? Given how far out on a limb Lieberman has gone for his friend, he may well expect to get some sort of soft landing -- if not a Cabinet post, then perhaps an ambassadorship.

But if Obama wins in November, Lieberman's options look more stark. If he is stripped of his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, would he consider caucusing with Republicans? If he did, Lieberman would go from a party where he agrees on most issues and disagrees on Iraq, to a party where he agrees on Iraq and disagrees on almost everything else. Neither option looks attractive right now for the Connecticut senator, all the more reason for him to pray that McCain wins.

If he cared about the Democratic party at all, he would simply say nothing.
The fact that he actively attacked Obama and the Democrats at the GOP convention was to essentially spit on the Democrats. It was a calculated move by a truly cynical politician to land on the winning side.
Lieberman deserves his fate.

"Gotta give this old lion credit for being his own man, and doing what HE thinks is best, not what his party does."

Lieberman is a bigger FOOL than McCain, he deserves NO CREDIT for being such an IDIOT.

We don't need four more years of Bush's policies, ESPECIALLY Bush's policy in Iraq, which was done primarily to STEAL billions from the US Treasure and transfer the money to Bush-friendly corporations...while 45,000+ US soldiers were killed or wounded due to a lack of basic supplies like vehicle armor. Bush, Cheney, McCain and Lieberman should all be indicted, convicted and imprisoned for TREASON.

And as a result of Lieberman's being a "brave lion" we are on the verge of losing to al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan, even as our allies Afghanistan pump record amounts of heroin onto our streets.

If only all politicians were like Lieberman, this country would not be so divided. What a man to stand up for what is right, not what people around him says it's right. He's welcome to have lunch at my house any day any time.

Wait...he's not running for a third term? Scheist...now who am I gonna vote for? I could have sworn he was running again...that's what the smart African American guy from Harvard keeps saying...and he NEVER lies or bends the truth....right???

Candace-
Lieberman chose to stand with the most divisive and narcissistic party in modern history. In doing so, he chooses to divide, not unite.
If you poke a friend in the eye intentionally, do you expect that friend to stay your friend?

Interesting question JJ. I think a closer look at his voting record, and his actions show that he does not put America's interest ahead of Israel's, EVER. I wonder if an equally Pro-Amercian would be allowed to serve in the Knesset. just wondering......

Say it aint so Joe. We democrats will just have to work our hardest to ensure that the remaining years of Joe's Senate term don't do anymore damage than is absolutely necessary. People should really listen to the glowing speech Joe gave about Obama 2years ago when he needed Obama's help to get re-elected...it is insightful.

I am moving to Connecticut to vote for Senator Leiberman :-). It takes a lot of courage to stand up to dogma especially when it is spewed by a really large number of sheep. Independent thinkers for Leiberman as Secretary of Defense.

If you agree on most policy, but differ on one point, then it's clear that you still belong with that bunch. He should've defended his position better with FACTS instead of bombastic rhetoric during that last primary; he wouldn't have had to run as an independent.

His Convention speech pissed me off even more than Zell's in '04. At least I knew Zell stood for a lot more than a mid-east war. Zell was always a populist at heart who did good things for his home state as governor. But what the hell did Lieberman ever do in setting policy and really advancing the well-being of his state?

First of all, Hadassah Lieberman is NOT Israeli, she just has a Hebrew name. And if I had a nickel for every time the loyalties of any American Jew are questioned, I'd be rich by now. The vast majority of American Jews are Americans first, Jews second.

Agree with him or not (and I frequently don't), Joe Lieberman has always done what he felt was right, regardless of his party affiliation. What bugs me is that he continues to caucus with the Dems at all. If he chose to leave the party, he also chose to lose the ability to caucus with them.

Of course, even if McCain wins and tries to appoint Lieberman to his Cabinent, Lieberman will need to be confirmed by an overwhelmingly Democratic Senate. That'll be an interesting confirmation hearing.

There are many reasons I hope Barack Obama wins this election, not the least of which is that I would love to see mud all over Lieberman's face. He's a disgrace. All talk that he is his "own man" is complete nonsense. He's a good ol' boy and he was trying to help out a good ol' boy friend to the detriment of his party. Screw him.

Someone here said it right: Lieberman is a cockroach and should not viewed with suspicion by the Republicans. Lieberman was treated well by the Democrats, he was picked VP by Al Gore at a time when it was not acceptable to pick a Jewish candidate. If Lieberman was disillusioned with the Democrats, he should have left long ago. He is a shyster, a jerk who took advantage of his own Party that has supported him all these years. A traitor is always a traitor.

It was pretty shocking when Lieberman lost the Democratic primary in Connecticut in 2006 and subsequently got so little support from erstwhile "friends" in the party. Once an independent, Lieberman's decision to keep caucusing with the party and to vote almost entirely Democratic was essential in securing Democratic majority votes. Now that his vote in the Senate is not likely to be at all essential starting in January, especially if Obama wins and there aren't any vetos to worry about overriding, Lieberman is probably expendable to the Democratic caucus, and free to Caucus alone. I'd be really surprised if he switched allegiance entirely, and I doubt that he would have spoken at the Repubican convention on behalf of anyone other than his close friend, and, essentially, fellow independent McCain.

As Dan above says, if there is only one reason, I want Obama to win, it is to pu Liberman in his place..I nthe kenneset, where he belongs.
To Just me:
This is not a statement about th eloyalty of American jews. This is a statement above one American jew!

So dont go off on that anti-semite rant again! You can only do that so many times.

Im sure AIPIAC wouldnt mind buying lieb his lunch for the rest of his life. Or they may dump soon as Obama wins. Coz he will be useless to them then.

Do John McCain or conservative republicans respect the moral foundations of our country? The U.S. Constitution is abused by conservative republicans at every turn.

U.S. Constitution: Amendment I - Freedom of Religion
Because of conservative republicans, your tax dollars are funding religious groups you may not agree with. To add insult to injury, conservative appointed judges have ruled that you do not have a right to challenge this expenditure.

Amendment IV - Search and seizure
Under the guise of court action against abortion, Conservative republicans had John Ashcroft subpoena all the medical records of literally thousands of women like you and members of your family. Conservative republicans invade your privacy every day by browsing your email and phone records. Unfortunately for all of us, they don't appear to care about our U.S. constitution, and they certainly don't care about your privacy.

Amendment X - Powers of the States and People
John McCain and conservative republicans have tried consistently to overturn States Laws. They used your hard earned tax dollars to destroy the will of the people of Oregon, and the famous "Death with Dignity" law; they lost, but undoubtedly will try again. Conservative republicans and John McCain do not respect States Rights. If your state votes for something conservatives don't agree with they will use federal powers to overturn it regardless of how you and your fellow voters feel.

Amendment VIII - Cruel and Unusual punishment
Would you rather die, or support a government which supported and sanctioned torture? The founding fathers would rather have died. The founding fathers were proud to fight and die for our government: A government which specifically outlaws cruel and unusual punishment. Conservatives don't agree with this philosophy. Conservatives are at odds with our founding fathers on this score, and too many others to count.

John McCain and the conservative republicans have already gone too far in destroying the moral foundations of our country. I urge you to keep this in mind in the coming election as we rebuild our nation together by voting Democrat.

In The Divine Comedy Dante reserved the nineth and worst circle of hell for Judas and Brutus, two men who betrayed their friends and that is where Lieberman deserves to reside. It is one thing to support McCain but to get on national televison and criticize the nominee of your party is unforgiable especially because, and how many times does this have to be stated, on Iraq, on the invasion of Iraq, Joe Lieberman is and was and will forever be WRONG. Let me repeat to those who have not yet gotten it - THE INVASION OF IRAQ WAS A MISTAKE. How many times does this have to be repeated before idiots like McCain and Lieberman get it? And anyone who does not get it, that the invasion of Iraq was WRONG, is unfit for public office.

I'd be surprised if the Senate confirmed him in a Cabinet post, considering the insult he's delivered to the Dems AND the fact that there's a Republican governor who'd replace Lieberman (I-ha ha ha) with an R.
No, if I were Harry Reid, I'd let Joe twist in the wind as a very lonely (unconfirmable) independent and let him pray for a recess appointment.

For untold years, Liebermealymouth has been the Senate's leading authority on sanctimony and unctuousness. The latter title is now on display with Sen. Lindsey Graham, but Joe has caused his party untold damage over this last session piously decrying their partisanship while siding with Republican obstructionists on important issues time & again, and explaining it as bipartisanship. He turned on Obama after he was one of the few national Democrats to actively campaign for him after the loss to Lamont. He abandoned a campaign pledge to use his chairmanship to finally conduct oversight hearings on executive abuses over the first 6 years of the Bush interregnum. He deserves marginalization and scorn, and the sooner he declares himself actually with the Republicans, the freer the Democrats will be to give him the condemnation he so richly deserves.

Lieberman is a dishonorable man. He reaped the benefits of being in a Democratic Party (in Connecticut). He thinks the Democrats are not doing enouogh for Israel and since more Democrats were against the Iraq War, Lieberman turned against his Party. The United States has its own national interests to consider not simply follow Israel. The Republicans have destroyed our country under Bush-Cheney. Adventurism in Iraq caused so much economic dislocation, economic meltdown with the taxpayers bailing out Bear Stearns, Fannie/Freddie Maes, a couple of banks and soon, Lehman Bros. McCain is Bush, the same failed policies. It is treason to vote for McCain because America will surely go into a spastic decline.

Lieberman, like McCain, is only out for his own interests. He only became an independent when he couldn’t win the 2006 Democratic Primary, and he is only lashing out against his former party because it represents his one opportunity to continue to be in the spotlight. He is not a man of substance, but a selfish crony of McCain’s looking to get his back scratched in return. John McCain is of a similar disposition. He has completely changed his fundamental message to one of “hope and change” (sound familiar??) because he knows that it’s what most Americans are yearning for, not because he truly believes. McCain and Palin have repeatedly told boldfaced lies about their records and stances, in some cases espousing the contradictory viewpoints to what they claimed before, just to get voters. I am a proud Catholic (and former Republican) and believe that lying is the most basic sin one can engage in (adultery is not far behind, John McCain!). I am sick of Republicans pretending that issues like abortion are fundamental political issues. I don’t see how Republicans can claim they value the life of a fetus, but at the same time send thousands of soldiers marching to their death (not to mention the hundreds of thousands who will come back without any limbs or suffer from post traumatic stress disorder) for a fictitious war in Iraq. I’m tired of my hard earned tax dollars being used to line the pockets of wealthy oil executives and John McCain’s other cronies who own more houses than they can count. Why don’t we spend some of that money domestically on things that directly benefit America?? John McCain cheated on his first, so why wouldn’t he, Palin, Lieberman and others cheat the American people? In my mind the choice is clear – I am voting for the Obama-Biden ticket and am encouraging everyone I know to do the same.

Lieberman as a Jewish American whom cares about Israel’s fate made a pretty responsible decision. Not to mention that it is very much in our (American’s interest to have Israel around). Nobody really believes that Obama would stand against Israel’s enemies

Lieberman was abandoned by his party in 2006 in favor of Ned "Moneybags" Lamont. He ran as an independent because he believed that the war in Iraq had to be won and that Lamont would help thwart America's efforts there. Yet he remained loyal to the party that had rejected him, caucusing with the Democrats. He gave a mild speech against Obama - not nearly as scorching as his screeching antagonists characterize it - and now he is anathema. This is speaks to the fact that the shrill Left that has taken over the Democratic Party, not that Joe Lieberman is disloyal.

Lieberman is a Zionist Hawk who puts Israel's national interest above that of America's. The democratic party hasn't censured him, he has censured himself. Loyalty? How loyal is he to stab the man that help him kept his senate seat in 2006. Nonetheless the fool must not be ostracized. He is a prodigal son.

Wow. No wonder America is in trouble. We don't think for ourselves, our politicians don't think for themselves. We're not even nationalistic, we're partyistic. It's little wonder that the end results of our political process don't benefit America, but the politicians and their parties.

Sen. Lieberman works for the citizens of Ct. We voted him in BECAUSE we knew that The Dems would sell Israel down the river as soon as things got rough.

Sen. Lieberman does not change his world views, JUST because the leader of the Dems want to invite ahmajenidad over for tea and crumpets while they figure out the best way to achieve Iran's single minded purpose of wiping Israel off the face of the map.

In 1939 a guy named Winston Churchill stood nearly alone.....

Looks as though history is repeating.

Harry Reid can stay in Nevada.

Liberals lose because they always run once their nose gets a little bloody.

What seems astounding is that Sen. Lieberman's actions surprised so many OUTSIDE of Ct.

Just for the record. The Dems abandoned Lieberman first...."For the sake of party unity".

Suppose McCain wins. Suppose further that he nominates his old pal Joe Lieberman as Secretary of Defense or Secretary of State. That nomination will then have to be confirmed by (what is sure to still be) a Democratically controlled Senate. That might be an interesting test of just how angry the Senate Democrat are...

Lieberman went from being the party's VP nominee to spitting in the party's face in 8 short years. Someone with his sense of loyalty shouldn't be welcomed in either party. He said he would lie to help McCain, and he did. All a politician has is his word and reputation. Lieberman has besoiled himself with his behavior since 2006. Why would either party invite him to the table?

Why do we Demos even waste our time contemplating whatever treatment this fawning, turncoat Demo receives from our party. What puzzles me is why the citizens of CT tolerate this slimy character. What are the recall rules on a US Senator from you state? Please implement them soon.

He lost his party's primary and ran in the general election anyway. As soon as he did that, he stopped being a Democrat. Which is fine: people switch parties all the time, and independents certainly have every right to run. But he needs to stop identifying himself as a Democrat. He may agree with Democrats some issues, but so do some Republicans.

"What is a Democrat like me doing at a Republican convention like this?"

This question answers itself, and the only one who doesn't realize it is Joe Lieberman.

I'm sure "Smilin' Joe" Lieberman will have no problem finding a fellow Republican, or someone from AIPAC or any other lobbying firm, to buy him lunch--probably at Jack Abramoff's old Restaurant "Signatures."

Judas Lieberman was never a Democrat even when he was a Democrat. He was only out for himself. Keep an eye out for the 30 pieces of silver falling out of his pockets as he dashes for a cab.

Had he walked the earth today, I wonder if Judas would always watch his back, watch where and whom he sat close to, would make sure he didn't go into the men's room alone and hire permanently, a food taster.

Wow. What is it with Republicans and their lies and nonsense about pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. McCain is an admiral's son who got an ill-deserved place at the Naval Academy, who was just about last in his class yet got a plum assignment. Yes, he was brave during the war, but he's parlayed that experience into sucking resources from the government, from his wife, from anybody who would stand still long enough for him to vacuum tem out of them. Spoiled rich brat George Bush and Spoiled military brat turned trophy husband John McCain are not the ones who pulled themselves up by their $600 Ferragamos. No, that honor goes to Obama and Biden!!

The democrat party has moved so far left so fast they have left many a good man like Joe Lieberman behind. It's a shame because it is the Joe Lieberman's and the John McCain's in congress that aren't afraid to tell their respective party they are wrong from time to time...when it comes to working in a bipartisan way to move forward on issues that need to be dealt with.

Joe didn't leave his party...they left him two years ago when they stabbed him in the back by supporting another candidate. But he won any way as an independent so I wouldn't count him out just yet.

People tend to respect it when someone is his own man. Unlike Harry Reid where his own party simply tolerates him.

If the dem's no longer want him, the republicans will be glad to embrace him, and give him what he never got from his own party as of late...a great deal of respect.

I hope he burs in hell as the selfish lying misguided person he is. His lying about Obama's record is unforgiveable. If the Dems had balls they would have kicked him out already and said they did so beause he led about Obama.

Should Senator McCain win the election and appoint Senator Lieberman to any post within the administration that requires the approval of the Senate - do you think that the Democratic Senators would approve of his appointment, whether it be Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense or Ambassador to Andorra?

No they won't approve it because they want him to live out his pathetic political life in the Senate looking at all those Democratic Senate Chairman - of which he will no longer be one of.

“As far as I’m concerned [Barack Obama] is a ‘Baruch,’ which means a blessing. He is a blessing to the United States Senate, to America, and to our shared hopes for better, safer tomorrows for all our families. The gifts that God has given to Barack Obama are as enormous as his future is unlimited. As his mentor, as his colleague, as his friend, I look forward to helping him reach to the stars and realize not just the dreams he has for himself, but the dreams we all have for him and our blessed country.”

Whether you love Lieberman or hate him, he said it! Talk about flip flops...

Joe Leiberman is no MENSH!!! It's good that Yom Kippur is coming up soon This traitor has much atoning to do. He needs truckloads of bread to throw upon the waters. I expect SARA LEE (PALIN) will supply it and hold his feeble hand. I just pray they wont be tossing it into the Potomac,

"The fact that he actively attacked Obama and the Democrats at the GOP convention was to essentially spit on the Democrats."

==============

Did the democratic party not spit on Joe Lieberman when they did not elect him as the primary candidate winner in his state, forcing him to run as an Independent in order to maintain his seat in the senate? His party abandoned him because he instead chose to back what was right instead of toeing the party line.

I like Joe Lieberman, and I thought he would have also made a good running mate for John McCain - both of them are mavericks who will go toe to toe with their own party in order to do what's right.

Lieberman has finally extracted his nose from McSame's behind, and now won't be eating with the Dems. Who really cares? He is the Senator from Israel anyway. He does not even represent the US state of Connecticut.

Would you say the Demorcrats have been highly supportive of Amendment 2 - The Right to Bear Arms?
Isn't Obama actually calling for the expansion of the "faith based initiatives" program - including creating an office within the Executive Branch to oversee them? Doesn't this also attack Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion?

I can't believe that in the United States of 2008 that Anti-Semitism is so vile and rampant. What is it with you people? This isn't really about Joe Lieberman - who is a "schmuck" - it's still about Jew baiting. Hitler would be so proud of what America is becoming. After reading today's comments, I feel like it's Berlin in 1932, the year in which I was born.

What a few here overlook is that Lieberman would just as quickly dump the Republicans if they failed to "unconditionally" support Israel's every demand.
This is the original whining liberal dove, as his cowardly history and record reveal and yet no one seems astounded at how hawkish he has become when it involves Israel's interests. This is the mother of all flip-flops in our political history!.

Referring to Lieberman as a "lion" has to be the joke of the century; Lieberman is a weasel perhaps, or an opportunistic coward who cries loudly for war while never himself participating, a traitor to his country, but a lion? Give us a break!

Lieberman is not an independent. He is a traitor against all this country used to stand for. Every American should fear the speed at which this country is descending into fascism. Here is the TRUTH:

14 POINTS OF FASCISM
1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism -- From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes…

2. Disdain for the importance of human rights -- The regimes themselves viewed human rights as of little value and a hindrance to realizing the objectives of the ruling elite. Through clever use of propaganda, the population was brought to accept these human rights abuses by marginalizing, even demonizing, those being targeted. When abuse was egregious, the tactic was to use secrecy, denial, and disinformation.

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause -- The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people’s attention from other problems, to shift blame for failures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice—relentless propaganda and disinformation—were usually effective…Active opponents of these regimes were inevitably labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly.

4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism -- Ruling elites always identified closely with the military and the industrial infrastructure that supported it. A disproportionate share of national resources was allocated to the military, even when domestic needs were acute. The military was seen as an expression of nationalism, and was used whenever possible to assert national goals, intimidate other nations, and increase the power and prestige of the ruling elite.

5. Rampant sexism -- Beyond the simple fact that the political elite and the national culture were male-dominated, these regimes inevitably viewed women as second-class citizens. They were adamantly anti-abortion and also homophobic…

6. A controlled mass media -- Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite.

7. Obsession with national security -- Inevitably, a national security apparatus was under direct control of the ruling elite. It was usually an instrument of oppression, operating in secret and beyond any constraints. Its actions were justified under the rubric of protecting “national security,” and questioning its activities was portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous.

8. Religion and ruling elite tied together -- Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and protofascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elite’s behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug. Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the “godless.” A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion.

9. Power of corporations protected --Although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control, the ability of large corporations to operate in relative freedom was not compromised. The ruling elite saw the corporate structure as a way to not only ensure military production…but also as an additional means of social control. Members of the economic elite were often pampered by the political elite to ensure a continued mutuality of interests, especially in the repression of “have-not” citizens.

10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated -- Since organized labor was seen as the one power center that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling elite and its corporate allies, it was inevitably crushed or made powerless. The poor formed an underclass, viewed with suspicion or outright contempt…

11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts -- Intellectuals and the inherent freedom of ideas and expression associated with them were anathema to these regimes. Intellectual and academic freedom were considered subversive to national security and the patriotic ideal. Universities were tightly controlled; politically unreliable faculty harassed or eliminated. Unorthodox ideas or expressions of dissent were strongly attacked, silenced, or crushed…

12. Obsession with crime and punishment -- Most of these regimes maintained Draconian systems of criminal justice with huge prison populations. The police were often glorified and had almost unchecked power, leading to rampant abuse. “Normal” and political crime were often merged into trumped-up criminal charges and sometimes used against political opponents of the regime. Fear, and hatred, of criminals or “traitors” was often promoted among the population as an excuse for more police power.

13. Rampant cronyism and corruption -- Those in business circles and close to the power elite often used their position to enrich themselves. This corruption worked both ways; the power elite would receive financial gifts and property from the economic elite, who in turn would gain the benefit of government favoritism. Members of the power elite were in a position to obtain vast wealth from other sources as well: for example, by stealing national resources…

14. Fraudulent elections -- Elections in the form of plebiscites or public opinion polls were usually bogus. When actual elections with candidates were held, they would usually be perverted by the power elite to get the desired result. Common methods included maintaining control of the election machinery, intimidating and disenfranchising opposition voters, destroying or disallowing legal votes, and, as a last resort, turning to a judiciary beholden to the power elite.

Lieberman is not an independent. He is a traitor against all this country used to stand for. Every American should fear the speed at which this country is descending into fascism. Here is the TRUTH:

14 POINTS OF FASCISM
1. Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism -- From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes…

2. Disdain for the importance of human rights -- The regimes themselves viewed human rights as of little value and a hindrance to realizing the objectives of the ruling elite. Through clever use of propaganda, the population was brought to accept these human rights abuses by marginalizing, even demonizing, those being targeted. When abuse was egregious, the tactic was to use secrecy, denial, and disinformation.

3. Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause -- The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people’s attention from other problems, to shift blame for failures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice—relentless propaganda and disinformation—were usually effective…Active opponents of these regimes were inevitably labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly.

4. The supremacy of the military/avid militarism -- Ruling elites always identified closely with the military and the industrial infrastructure that supported it. A disproportionate share of national resources was allocated to the military, even when domestic needs were acute. The military was seen as an expression of nationalism, and was used whenever possible to assert national goals, intimidate other nations, and increase the power and prestige of the ruling elite.

5. Rampant sexism -- Beyond the simple fact that the political elite and the national culture were male-dominated, these regimes inevitably viewed women as second-class citizens. They were adamantly anti-abortion and also homophobic…

6. A controlled mass media -- Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite.

7. Obsession with national security -- Inevitably, a national security apparatus was under direct control of the ruling elite. It was usually an instrument of oppression, operating in secret and beyond any constraints. Its actions were justified under the rubric of protecting “national security,” and questioning its activities was portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous.

8. Religion and ruling elite tied together -- Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and protofascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elite’s behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug. Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the “godless.” A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion.

9. Power of corporations protected --Although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control, the ability of large corporations to operate in relative freedom was not compromised. The ruling elite saw the corporate structure as a way to not only ensure military production…but also as an additional means of social control. Members of the economic elite were often pampered by the political elite to ensure a continued mutuality of interests, especially in the repression of “have-not” citizens.

10. Power of labor suppressed or eliminated -- Since organized labor was seen as the one power center that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling elite and its corporate allies, it was inevitably crushed or made powerless. The poor formed an underclass, viewed with suspicion or outright contempt…

11. Disdain and suppression of intellectuals and the arts -- Intellectuals and the inherent freedom of ideas and expression associated with them were anathema to these regimes. Intellectual and academic freedom were considered subversive to national security and the patriotic ideal. Universities were tightly controlled; politically unreliable faculty harassed or eliminated. Unorthodox ideas or expressions of dissent were strongly attacked, silenced, or crushed…

12. Obsession with crime and punishment -- Most of these regimes maintained Draconian systems of criminal justice with huge prison populations. The police were often glorified and had almost unchecked power, leading to rampant abuse. “Normal” and political crime were often merged into trumped-up criminal charges and sometimes used against political opponents of the regime. Fear, and hatred, of criminals or “traitors” was often promoted among the population as an excuse for more police power.

13. Rampant cronyism and corruption -- Those in business circles and close to the power elite often used their position to enrich themselves. This corruption worked both ways; the power elite would receive financial gifts and property from the economic elite, who in turn would gain the benefit of government favoritism. Members of the power elite were in a position to obtain vast wealth from other sources as well: for example, by stealing national resources…

14. Fraudulent elections -- Elections in the form of plebiscites or public opinion polls were usually bogus. When actual elections with candidates were held, they would usually be perverted by the power elite to get the desired result. Common methods included maintaining control of the election machinery, intimidating and disenfranchising opposition voters, destroying or disallowing legal votes, and, as a last resort, turning to a judiciary beholden to the power elite.

you know reading through this I find a few thing interesting.
one I'm not a super partisan individual I have voted for Republicans and Democrats, i normally vote issues not parties. but how can anyone honestly looking at the condition of our country vote republican this year unless it's pure greed or blind partisanship. our country and constitution has been seriously damaged by the thieves and criminals that are running our country. Lieberman is no lion he is an appeaser in the truest sense he had sold out his party and his ideals for a position of power with people he doesn't believe in.

and I just have one little history lesson.
there was a soldier who became a POW ( or at least used that claim in his speeches to defend against criticism.) after the war he got involved in politics. Her rode a fear mongering campaign into highest office of the land. he promptly took his country into a war we all regret ever happened.

this man was Hitler.
To be very clear I'm not calling McCain Hitler or a fascist all I'm saying is I'm so sick to death of every right wing wing nut using his pow status as an untouchable shield from criticism.
he has started the swift boat desperation adds and it's very very sad. being a pow doesn't make you ready to be president.
I may have voted for him years ago but now it obvious they both he and Lieberman are so desperate for advancement that they are willing to burn this country down for advancement.

I'm a Vet and it doesn't make me ready to be president. an
All I can say is that it's very disrespectful to belittle all of our pain and suffering for political advancement when he has not voted to help us but is willing to use us as steps to climb as far he can makes me sick to death.

any MAN who claims to be honorable doesn't behave this way. he WAS a hero but his behaviour now is repugnant and truly dishonors his service and ours.
This is man no longer behaves like an Officer or a Gentleman, he's now just another politician.

Lieberman knew what he was getting into when he backed McCain. Regardless of what side you are on, you must admit that he saw this coming and whether you support McCain or Obama, you gotta respect the guy's moxie.

Lieberman is "his own man"? He's supposed to represent his state in the U.S. Senate, not himself. Anyway, he not really "his own man" in that sense, either; he is the Senator for Israel (at least, the Likud's version of Israel).

I have to wonder how in hell JL decided to turn against his party. Perhaps its because he already did that in 2000 when he alone blew the recount in Florida for Gore and gave it to Bush. Perhaps it's okay to be oneself while in the US Senate but it is not okay to wear false colors and false ideals when dealing with one's own party presidential candidate. It's always best to keep one's mouth tightly clamped when nothing but evil will come out. JL is definitely un-American and also a very big schmuck.

Looks like Lieberman has made his choice. He apparently thinks that McCain/Palin will win the election and he will have a chance at a cabinet position. He had better think again - loyalty is something he does not possess and neither do McCain and Palin.

This is pure cynicism, opportunism and downright bad judgment by Lieberman. His attacks on Obama and the lies he has told to ingragiate himself with the GOP are despicable.

lEBEIRMAN GOT PLAYED LIEK A WET FOODSTAMP... HE GOT SUKERED BY THE GOP... NOW THE GOP IS TRYING TO SUKER THE AMERICAN PEOPLE VIA FAUX NEWS BY CHOOSING PALIN... McCain Palin scandal is all about Alaska Oil/Gas drilling the neocon GOP wants.
(Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNr_LZpMHqA&feature=related)
Gov. Palin will soon start preaching to start drilling (she is Alaska Governer, so who knows best right??)
Dumb americans who watch too much FAUX NEWS are idiots to think he really picked her for her knoweledge and experience or being a female as they claim.
Everything the GOP does is all about the OIL/Gas including Iraq war and afghanistan and the coming wars with Russia and Iran the GOP is provoking like GEORGIA....
OOOOO IIIIIII LLLLLLL = OPERATION IRAQ LIBERATION = WAKE UP AMERICA. "mccain: wE ARE GOING TO DRILL RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW!"

Being that Lieberman was once a democrat it disappointed me greatly to see how badly he spoke of Barack and turned his back on his party. I knew he was a traitor when I saw him sucking up to McCain and correcting McCain when he was having his senile moments. The only joy I got out of his treason was imagining his jaw drop when he wasn't the VP pick!

As a bi-racial person I dislike anti-semetic remarks very much. 35 years ago we had a Jewish person that would say prayer prior to us undertaking a major event or task. We didn't care, we were unified in our faith!

I am Pagan, I was not always Pagan but I was always respectful to other religious preferances or beliefs. To hate anyone or any race or religion is unacceptable. I will always respect the rights of others to worship as they please!

I love how he praised Obama in '06 when he needed Obama's support to win as an independent. Then when it was convenient for him to speak at the RNC he did that. What an opportunistic, spineless, waste of a Senate chair he is. I pray Obama wins and his political career is over. He is NOT INDEPENDENT, he's a snake who will change his face whenever it is best for his career. Like McCain who changed all of his ideas to conform to Bush's policies, including taking the high road in his campaign (hiring Rove disciples so he can use the same shameless tactics), he's no maverick.

I still don't understand why the Democrats don't do a "Hillary Clinton" on Lieberman. The GOP spent so much time and effort talking about Hillary being slighted for the Democratic VP slot. Mccain really wanted him but the neocons really got pissed.

So far not much coming from the Democrats on this - except from Jon Stewart.

Liebermann must be asking himself...WWJD?
What Would Judas Do. I think we all know the answer. I'm starting to believe that maybe Joe could be another Julia Child ; >)
You know...plain, unobtrusive, boring...SPY!

I wonder how many of those at the Republican convention made a trip down to West Palm Beach to hold up signs 'GORE-LOSERMAN" outside the election office? But we can expect nothing from people such as LOSERMAN whose primary loyalty is certainly not to this country which gave him wealth and fame. Foreign loyalist and foreign lobbyists don't give a damn about how many AMERICAN young people are killed in this mis-adventure in Iraq in which they played a major role in its creation. Steve, WW2

Joe Lieberman lost the Democratic primary and ran as an independent, all the while promising to caucas with the Democrats. He was returned to the Senate on that promise.
He betrayed his constituency by appearing at the Republican Party convention.
It sounds like a "time out" is appropriate to me.

Senator Lieberman is my hero! He's getting even with those Democrats for they way they treated him when he had to support Al Gore! I can think of no fate worse than death than to be Al Gore's running mate. Al Gore is certainly NOT the most intelligent man in the world! Give 'em Hell Joe!